UCI Bilateral Exchange Programs
Outbound Students (UCI Students Going Abroad)
What is a UCI Bilateral Exchange Program?
A bilateral exchange program consists of a reciprocal opportunity established by an agreement between UC Irvine and a partner university overseas to facilitate student mobility between the two institutions during a specific term. In a bilateral exchange program, selected UCI students attend a foreign university while maintaining their full-time enrollment status at UCI, and remain eligible for all financial aid and scholarships. At the same time, selected students from the same foreign university stay enrolled at their institutions but attend UCI.
Why choose a bilateral program?
You only pay tuition fees at UCI!
UCI offers you the unique opportunity to study at different institutions abroad at no additional tuition cost or loss of credit. When you participate in a bilateral exchange program, you remain fully enrolled at UCI, pay tuition only to UCI while living in a different geographic location, and have access to other usual financial aid.
You'll receive transfer credit for the enrolled courses abroad!
On a UCI Bilateral Exchange program, you will be eligible to receive transfer credit only. This means that only the host institution name and total units will be posted on your UCI transcript. The titles and grades will appear on the transcript provided by the host institution. Grades will not average into your UCI GPA, regardless of grade.
Once a transcript is received, Undergraduate Admissions will determine which courses are UC transferable and provide the assessment to the Registrar.
For those courses determined to be transferable it will be the responsibility of the appropriate academic department to determine:
- Whether a course is equivalent to a major or general education requirement, or
- If the course will simply be applied to the minimum 180 quarter units needed to graduate.
Departments will post course equivalencies on the student’s degree audit where appropriate so that students can see how their transfer coursework is applied to the degree.
Use the academic planning form to help work with your academic counselor to determine the type of courses you should take abroad in order to complete your degree on time, as well as receive transfer credit.
UC Irvine Support for Health & Safety
- UC Irvine seeks to provide students with the resources they need to build a continuum of care to support their health, safety, and well-being while on a UC Irvine Bilateral Exchange exchange program. While abroad, UC Irvine students will generally have access to up to three categories of insurance: UC Travel Insurance, your domestic health insurance policy, and any in-country or program-specific insurance policies required or provided by the program or host country. UC Irvine students may want to work with insurance providers in advance of travel to identify healthcare providers in their overseas destinations. Because healthcare systems and resources vary widely around the world, it is important for students to work with their healthcare providers on and off campus, their program administrators, as well as their insurance companies to build a network of support while abroad. Visit the UCI Study Abroad Center Health & Safety Page for details
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Outbound bilateral exchange students are required to complete a Health Clearance Form (HCF) (link to form) before they depart for their program. Students can request study abroad clearance from the UC Irvine Student Health Center (SHC) or request their forms be completed by their personal health care physician. The SHC charges a $60 fee to complete administrative forms, which is not covered by UC SHIP insurance.
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If you prefer to have your HCF completed by the UC Irvine Student Health Center, please follow these instructions:
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How to submit a request for EAP/Study Abroad Clearance:
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1. Log in to your My Student Chart account using your UCInetID.
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2. Click on the blue ‘Schedule an Appointment’ button from the Home page.
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3. Click on ‘Schedule an Appointment’ on the next page.
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4. Select ‘ASYNCare…’.
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5. Select ‘EAP/Study Abroad Clearance’.
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6. Complete form and click on Continue.
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Allow 3-5 business days for your request to be processed.
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You can use UCI financial aid while being in a bilateral program!
Financial Aid eligibility criteria are the same when you participate in a bilateral exchange program or when studying at UCI.
Note: in order to receive financial aid you must receive transfer credit and be making progress towards your degree. You cannot receive aid if you have already met your degree requirements for graduation.
Sources of aid and procedures vary depending on the study abroad program option you choose. We invite you to review and carefully consider the information on the Study Abroad Scholarships webpage when selecting a program abroad.
If you have questions about your individual financial aid eligibility, contact a Financial Aid Counselor in the Financial Aid Office at eapfa@uci.edu.
The UCI Study Abroad Center will advocate for you with our partners abroad!
When you apply for a bilateral exchange program, your application is screened and nominated directly from the Study Abroad Center to your host institution. This means there’s no middleman standing in the way of your global adventure, allowing for direct communication with the host institution and advocacy every step of the way.
We’re looking for passionate anteaters who are excited about cultural immersion and learning, all while showing deep respect for the host culture.
How and When to Apply?
Search for the program using the keyword “bilateral” in the UCIAbroad portal. There you will access the application, and choose the host institution of your preference.
To participate in a UCI Bilateral Exchange program, students must always follow these 2 steps.
- Request UCI campus approval in UCIAbroad portal
Final deadline for students to submit campus approvals in UCIAbroad:Academic year / Fall semester = February 15Spring Semester= August 15
- Submit your program’s application. Students will receive detailed instructions on how to submit their program’s application once they have completed the UCI campus approval request.
| Term: | Open Date: | Deadline: |
|---|---|---|
| Fall, Academic Year | October 1 | February 15 |
| Winter/Spring | April 1 | August 15 |
Our Global Partners
Are you ready to be a global ambassador for UCI and the USA? If so, you might be the right candidate for a bilateral exchange program. The Study Abroad Center is seeking exchange students who are mature, independent, self-motivated, and eager to embrace new cultures.
We are committed to facilitating opportunities with partners overseas that support our Anteaters’ goal of succeeding in today’s competitive global environment. You may apply to the program that best meets your academic and career goals.
Korea University (KU)
Program at a Glance
Country or area → Korea, South
City → Seoul
Class level → So, Jr and Sr.
Students must have completed at least 2 quarters at UCI by the time of application.
Minimum GPA → 2.5 or higher
Term → Fall term (Sept-Dec) Spring term (March-June)
Taught → English and Korean
Language Prerequisites → No
About our partner
Back in 1905, when Lee Young-Ik founded the first university in Korea funded and administered solely by Koreans; he never imagined that a century later, Korea University (KU) would become one of the top private universities in Seoul, and home of 33,000 students from all parts of the Asian nation and the world.
If your idea of studying abroad includes a campus of over 182 acres in the heart of Seoul, including 18 colleges and divisions, 18 graduate schools, and a vibrant international population of more than 4K students, then you should take a look at the information here: KOREA UNIVERSITY Global Services Center.
*Info adapted from https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/korea-university
KU Budget Sheet
Kyung Hee University (KHU)
Program at a Glance
Country or area → Korea
City → Seoul
Class level → So, Jr and Sr.
Students must have completed at least 2 quarters at UCI by the time of application.
Minimum GPA → 2.5 or higher
Term → AY, Fall term (Sept – Dec), Spring term (March – June)
Taught → English or Korean
Language Prerequisites → No
About our partner
Since its founding in 1949, Kyung Hee University (KHU) has sought after the spirit of “Scholarship and Peace” as well as the founding principle of “creating a civilized world.” The University has developed remarkably ever since, contributing to the fulfillment of a “Cultural World for Humanity” as the leader of the future of academics and the creator of common values for humanity.
Pursuing “Global Eminence” on a foundation of academic excellence, Kyung Hee University awaits you with a beautiful campus surrounded by scenic cherry blossoms and nice architecture.
Want to know more about KHU? Download the KHU brochure.
*Info adapted from: https://www.khu.ac.kr/eng/sub/content.do?MENU_SEQ=1000570
KU Budget Sheet
Fullbright Canada-Killam Fellowship
Program at a Glance
Country or area → Canada
City → Multiple destinations in Canada
Class level → UCI undergraduate sophomores or juniors at the time of application.
Minimum GPA → 2.5 or higher
Term → AY, Fall quarter and Spring Semester (both winter and spring quarters abroad)
Taught → English
Language Prerequisites → No
About our partner
The Killam is a Fulbright Canada program that provides students with a $6,000-$12,000 scholarship to study at partner universities in Canada for either one semester or a full academic year.
The Killam allows you to participate in the program through direct exchange, meaning that you’ll be enrolled at UCI and attend the host university as an exchange visitor. Students interested in the Killam will work with the UCI Scholarship Opportunities Program (SOP), which offers scholarship advising and provides UCI students with institutional endorsement in support of their applications.
Does the Killam Fellowship Program sound like a good fit for you? Book a virtual appointment with Casie Bonstein, Inbound and Custom Programs Advisor, and with the UCI Scholarship Opportunities Program for more information.
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)
Program at a Glance
Country or area → Taiwan
City → Tainan
Class level → So, Jr and Sr.
Students must have completed at least 2 quarters at UCI by the time of application.
Minimum GPA → 2.5 or higher
Term → Academic Year, Fall semester (mid-Sept ~ mid-January) Spring semester (mid-Feb ~late June)
Taught → English and Chinese
Language Prerequisites → No
About our partner
Upon the motto of “Pursuit of truth through exhaustive reasoning,” NCKU University has been widely recognized as a leading university in Taiwan. In fact, it ranked fourth in Taiwan according to the QS World University Rankings 2023 and in the top 50 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2022.
NCKU has a solid foundation in engineering that has expanded into the liberal arts and sciences, offering comprehensive courses through 43 undergraduate programs, 36 independent graduate institutes, and nine colleges, including courses taught entirely in English.
A well connected multicampus university linked by Tainan Railway Station and the Shalun rail line which offers their almost 3k international students fascinating backstreets and historic buildings throughout Tainan, as well as the traditional local eats which are particularly popular with students.
Interested in finding out more about NCKU? Click here
*Info adapted from: https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/national-cheng-kung-university-ncku
Brochure
NCKU Budget Sheet
NCKU Summer Program 2025
The UCI Global Engagement Office and the Department of East Asian Studies are pleased to announce two scholarship opportunities to study the language of Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan during summer 2025 at the highly acclaimed National Cheng-Kung University (NCKU). Students can choose to apply for one or both of the following scholarships to cover the cost of participating in the program. Ten awards are available for each scholarship.
If you want to learn more, review our YouTube channel or contact the Faculty Leader for this program Professor. Ruohmei Hsieh.
University of Tsukuba
Program at a Glance
Country or area → Japan
City → Tsukuba
Class level → So, Jr and Sr.
Students must have completed at least 2 quarters at UCI by the time of application.
Minimum GPA → 2.5 or higher
Term → Fall term (Oct – Dec), Spring term (April-July)
Taught → English
Language Prerequisites → No
About our partner
The University of Tsukuba was established in 1973 with an aim to enable an open and new system of education and research in Japan.
The University is one of the ten Designated National University Corporations and works closely with the neighboring scientific communities and Tsukuba City. In 2022, Tsukuba City was designated as a Super Science City by the national government.
The university community takes advantage of the scientific heritage of the city (to build multidisciplinary, cross-cultural networking opportunities) and enjoys its lush, verdant surroundings. Pedestrian and bicycle paths are lined with trees and connect the university campus, the train station, the research institutions, and parks in the area.
Want to know more about the University of Tsukuba? Download the University of Tsukuba brochure.
*Info adapted from: https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/about/outline-tsukuba/
Budget Sheet
Download the University of Tsukuba Budget Sheet.
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Program at a Glance
Country or area → Republic of Korea
City → Pohang
Class level → So, Jr and Sr.
Minimum GPA → 3.0 or higher
Term → Fall (Sep-Dec), Spring (Feb-Jun), AY
Taught → English & Korean
Language Prerequisites → No
About our partner
Founded in 1986, POSTECH is Korea’s first research university, dedicated to excellence in science, engineering and technology. Despite its relatively small size, we rank among the top universities and is recognized for research impact and innovation. Want to learn more about POSTECH? Visit the POSTECH Website!
Budget Sheet
Download the POSTECH Budget Sheet.